Happy halloweenie

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Cheryl Madliger

This post has nadda to do with Halloween but I bet you giggled at “halloweenie” – no?

Maybe this will get you giggling then…

If that fails, this one compliments of my sister might do the trick…

Classy.

Other than those photos and a few pumpkin treats, there wasn’t much about my day that suggests it was Halloween. I’m not too upset…

I started my day sweaty, not spooky, with a session at crossfit. Deadlifting day is my fav and today was no exception! My 5RM is up to 215 and I managed to eke out 4 consecutive pull ups again today. That in itself would make for an accomplished morning but we also did rope climbs (love!) and the conditioning was 50 burpees for time or 3 minutes of awesome suck (3:06 to be particular)!

I popped into GFC to get checked and then was ready for a busy day. I also fuelled up with a banana and some raw almonds while I ran a few errands this morning.

Does anyone else think raw almond suck? I’d much rather have them roasted. And roasted in a nut butter would be best…but in terms of overeating I’m sure it looks like this in terms of worst offenders: peanut butter (roasted, salted, sugary, hydrogenated, etc.) = all holds gone > roasted natural nut butter > roasted nuts > raw natural nut butter > raw nuts. Hmmm…

I think I’ve gone through a half a jar of almond butter this week and you’ll see why if I fill you in on my meals for the day:

breakfast: eggs (with coconut milk), almond butter, apple, dried cherries

lunch: pork with kale, squash and raisins and cinnamon

snacks: 2 almond flour muffins (one with chocolate, one with raisins) + a pumpkin cookie I didn’t snap a photo of (but my bootcampers and my fellow CrossFitters approved of my second go at my paleo pumpkin cookie recipe)

dinner: pork chop and almond butter, straight out of the jar

At least I know what I could have done better: less nuts, more veggies.

I spent the afternoon on campus talking to some of my former writing professors about journalism, grad school, and all that kind of jazz. It feels good to be moving forward with my applications–I’ve got a lot of work to do but I’ve done it before and I am excited to write them again! It also felt good to be on campus, even I dare say it to be in the library working on my next freelance article about the paleo diet and cycling. It’s due in a week so I’ve got to get an outline and a draft together soon–it’s not like I’ve got a whole lot of free time to work on it!

I did some work but I definitely could have been productive. I got sucked into the Whole 9 website again and was reading all kinds of entries on it when I “shoulda” been working. Whatevs. Now I can share with you the link that got me sucked into the website…it was the blog “Lies We Tell Ourselves” and sheesh it was awesome. I clicked over to the posts about being addicted to stress, which really rocked my socks. I like that they include actionable things in their posts and that they’re personal about their writing. I like that The Whole 9 takes a big ol’ simple approach to things: either something makes you healthier or it doesn’t. Remember my realization that there’s no sideways/standing still in life? Same thing! What they talk about is a lot like Eat by Design and is probably the most user friendly stuff I’ve found in my reading. I have “It Starts With Food” and of all the “paleo-ish” books I’ve picked up, it might be my favourite recommendation for someone thinking about experimenting with their diet.

Anyways, now that I’ve rambled a bit…back to my day! I called it quits on campus mid-afternoon and came home to clean my apartment a bit. I was greeted by my level 1 certificate from CrossFit! I already knew that I’d passed but to have the certificate in the flesh feels pretty legit.

This evening I made it to a Moksha Flow class across town by the gym where I teach bootcamp. It was a sweaty hot class (I’m aware this is obvious) and we did lots of hip openers in what felt like an “easier” flow class. I really can’t complain–I probably needed more of a yin class than anything today since I’m pretty sore! The time was perfect though and the owner of the studio was teaching (always a treat!) so this class could become a regular thing for me. I had just enough time to shower and to eat a nanner before I headed across the street (literally) to teach bootcamp. I put my recruits through a tabata workout today (squats, pushups, lateral jumping, running, step-ups or box jumps, and planks). They didn’t like me but I had the pumpkin cookies to win them back over once we had stretched and cooled down!

And now here I am…ready for bed. For a day off, today sure was busy! Tomorrow I’ve got plans to get writing, a bootcamp to teach, some shopping plans with a few lovely lady friends, and a workout in the mix. If I’m feeling too much writer’s block a yoga class in the evening (yin, maybe!) could be just what I need.

Have a happy halloween!

What’s your favourite kind of nut butter?
Did you do anything to celebrate Halloween?

Pumped for Pumpkin

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Cheryl Madliger

I love fall.

I know my blog’s behind – I’ve still got a Summer 2012 (bucket list) page – but the chilly weather and the changing leafs leaf no question: fall’s here!

Besides busting out scarves and boots, I’m also busting out the festive eats. Rather than sugar myself up with pumpkin spice sauce from Starbucks (seriously, I used to get 4 good old pumps in my coffee at least once a day!) or whip up pumpkin bread, I got ambitious in the kitchen and whipped up a batch of paleo pumpkin granola this afternoon.

I credit Sarah for recommending the recipe from PaleOMG that served as my inspiration, which means I will also blame her if I look like a pumpkin after I eat it all. Besides drooling talking about this stuff today, we bonded over our mutual girl crush decided that we’d get along with Juli. If you haven’t gone to her blog, do it now but be ready to leave hungry.

Anyways, inspired I was so I busted out my apron and made like Martha…

Paleo Pumpkin Granola

Ingredients:
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
½ cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup slivered almonds
½ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1 tbsp. of flaxseeds
¼ cup raisins
10 chopped dates
pinch each of nutmeg, salt, and cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Combine wet ingredients in a large bowl, mixing to blend. Set aside.
Combine nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in a bowl. Add to wet ingredients.

Add spices.
Stir til moistened.

Spread on a baking sheet lined with a layer of parchment paper.

Bake for ~40 minutes or ‘til just starting to brown, turning once or twice to ensure even cooking.

Let cool/harden on sheet before ~~devouring~~ placing in an air-tight container.

Thoughts while consuming copious quantities taste-testing:

I am such a good cook.
Sarah better fund my new wardrobe in a size up.
Toasted pecans might have addictive qualities similar to those of heroin.
My apartment smells like heaven.
Juli is a genius.
I look hot in my apron.
I need to make granola more often.

Basically, the recipe was awesome. I made some switches—left out some cloves, added in some flaxseeds and raisins—and I’m happy with the turnout. I think I’d like it a little crunchier if I make another batch.

Since I’m just festive out my butt, I tossed the granola on top of an apple this evening. Deeeeelish!

If you make this, I recommend teasing your friends with it on instagram. Or tossing it over an apple–can you say festive flavours for fall? (You can, but maybe you shouldn’t). It’s breakfast. It’s a snack. It’s a dessert. It’s whatever you want.

Have you ever made a paleo/grain-free/gluten-free granola recipe? Was it crunchy?
What’s your favourite way to use pumpkin?

Brownies don’t bring bliss

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Cheryl Madliger

Recall my presentation this afternoon on stevia? It went pretty well. It helps when you bribe people with brownies…

Lucky for me there were leftovers. I gave the staff I see every day on my way to class the leftover “good” brownies (the ones from the box with sugar) and ended up with a couple of the stevia “brownies” left. In the mix: applesauce, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa, dark chocolate chunks, vanilla and flour. I took the recipe from a site I searched out on google even though it didn’t get the best reviews. Simple. Not really dessert, if you ask me.

More like snack…

I was hungry before my hair appointment today so I went for it and had one of the goodies. I liked it, even if most of my classmates were not quite as into them.

In the past, a brownie for a snack never would have happened. Today, it did. And if it had happened in the past, you know what would have happened? Not the “bliss” I’d expect (the emotional soothing) but probably self loathing or a binge. While the brownie didn’t bring me bliss this afternoon (I don’t think even the best brownies in the world could do that), a couple of things did:

getting rid of my mullet

a sweet ass run (again in my sports bra, because it was beautiful and because I am beautiful)

a really good smoothie for dins (pumpkin, yogurt, soy milk, flaxseeds, pumpkin pie spice, and spinach, topped with oats)

an evening at Starbucks with an impromptu study partner (a friend from the gym who has a knack for bringing my stress levels down and making me laugh)
a mocha (’nuff said)

finishing a project that’s due tomorrow
getting my last source for my article that’s due tomorrow (thank god for helpful people and admitting that you’re a student journalist in a bit of a pickle/rush!)
TMI warning!!!!! … a visit from Aunt Flo, NO PILLS/RING/ANYTHING required
not letting myself get stressed right now even though I “should” be

a little extreme, but you’re laughing. and it’s true.

tomorrow being Friday!

See what I’m getting at here?

Your take-aways from this post:

a) Focus on the positive.

b) Eat brownies.

c) Liberate yourself. Cut your hair, run in your sports bra, do something that makes you different.

d) Put spinach in your next smoothie.

e) Smile.

What brought you a little bliss today?
Have you ever baked with stevia?

When all else fails…

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Cheryl Madliger

BLOG.

I woke up needing a distraction.

A little background: things are awesome, my hip is en route to healing, I feel like I’m getting my life together and heading in the right direction, I feel more connected with my friends/family than ever (even though I miss a lot of people terribly, I feel really loved and supported right now), and when I look at where I was a couple of months ago, I can see how much progress I’ve made.

But today is Around the Bay, and I was supposed to be running that 30km this morning.

I’ve written about jealousy on my old blog, and I think it’s worth reminding myself that the feelings of jealousy I have right now are because I WANT to have done the run and achieved something so epic myself. It doesn’t mean I have to take it out on my friends (who ran SO WELL and are AMAZING for doing it), or on myself…but, for some reason, I have spent all day beating myself up (for not getting enough work done, for having a messy kitchen, for eating too much of this and not enough of that, by stuffing my face with everything from oatmeal to nut butter to pumpkin to grapes to kale chips<–all healthy things I intended to eat, but for some reason felt the need to overeat on top of the portions I put on my plate) and trying to get myself out of this funk.

I tried a bunch of stuff that usually works:

going for a bike ride –> but I don’t feel like myself on the bike. I feel slow, I feel apprehensive, and I feel out of shape.
talking to a friend –> multiple friends tried to remind me of very true things, and while they did help a little, I’m still sitting her bummed.
getting out of my apartment –> even with the sunshine, I feel so whahhhh.
pouring myself into an essay –> and one that I feel like writing, at that. Sure, I’ve gotten work done, but my mind keeps jumping back to things.
wearing something comfortable –> my leggings feel tight. Is that even possible? they’re spandex! And I feel like I’ve given up since I had to put another pair of jeans away because they’re uncomfortably tight.
going to starbucks –> but to be honest I’ve spent most of the last 24 hours at three different locations, and I just want this essay to be over with so I can do yoga or lay on my futon instead.
reminding myself that this will get better –> but when?

As you can see, I’m trying. Trying, trying, trying. It was so helpful to read Kate’s post about feeling out of sorts with her own injury earlier today. I love this girl’s comments, her honesty, and her tweets, but hearing her say some of the stuff I’m thinking made me realize that it’s not just me. It’s easy to think that I’ll never get better, but there’s no way I’d think that about Kate or about anyone else working through an injury.

I’d never call a friend stupid for not being sure about what they’re doing with their life. Or what their eating or not eating (vegan? ethically raised meat? what about dairy? am I gaining weight from all of this? does it matter if I’m eating in line with my beliefs?). Or for anything…so why is it OK for me to do it to myself?

This is turning into one of those “I think I’m going to have an epiphany” moments.

The only thing I can do is keep going. Yes, it blows that I haven’t ran for 12 weeks. Yes, it sucks that I have been overeating a bit and still hang on to some of those emotional munching habits that I know aren’t serving me. Yes, I am probably a bit out of shape. No, I don’t know exactly what’s wrong with my hip but I do know what I need to do.

And I am willing to do it. I’m not going to lie–I’ve kind of been half assing it with my physio. 5 minutes of foam rolling is enough. Those planks don’t really matter. And with other things. It’s okay to pick at that dried fruit at night. It’s alright to leave your assignments til the last minute. It’s okay to skip stuff cuz you’re “too stressed”. It’s fine to stay in because you feel gross. etc. etc. Nope, it’s not.

Regardless of whether or not I’m “bigger” than I should be. Regardless of whether or not I’ve wasted some time and made some really misguided decisions. Regardless of whether or not I’ve been mean to, mad at, or taken things out on myself OR other people, I don’t have to be this way. Yeah, this is cheesy, but every day is a chance to recreate ourselves. If I want to be that girl who is sure that she is an athlete, that she deserves to be happy, that is fun and prioritizes people, that gets good marks and is proud of them, and that admits that she doesn’t know everything (in the words of Jillian, if you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough). I know when I start to live with that kind of integrity–trusting myself, following through on the things I intuitively know (that standing over the fridge eating nut butter isn’t eating for fuel or nourishment, that running when my hip hurts is counterproductive, that exercise is meant to make us feel better and more energized, and that doing something (i.e. an essay) imperfectly is better than getting nothing done because you’re holding out for perfection), things will fall into place. Since weight is an outcome and not something to be controlled, that’ll just happen. I have this feeling regardless of whether I get bigger or smaller, I’ll feel better in my body. Since happiness comes from doing and not from being or having, I know I can start on this right away.

I’m done ranting!

I’m leaving my photos wordless again (it’s a portobello mushroom burger and a pumpkin smoothie with almond butter spoon, kiddos).

BLOG

How do you deal when you should be running a race?
Have you ever read Kate’s blog (cuz you should)?
What is one thing you wish you could change about the way you act/live? <–deep, I know.

PS: CONGRATS ALL YOU AROUND THE BAY-ERS!

Full day!

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Cheryl Madliger

Hey folks…

For a Saturday, today is BUSY!

This morning, I had a yummy breakfast to start things off followed by a snack and a 3k swim. No big deal…yes big deal, for me! 3k is long but it was LOVELY. I chalk it up to being well fuelled, well rested, and feeling good after writing a draft of a paper due next week all this morning!

yogurt, all bran, banana, and almond butter

pre swim crisp bread with jam ... double this

I had a smoothie for lunch (topped with cereal and eaten with a nut butter spoon, have you) but I ended up getting a grumbly tummy shortly after.

pumpkin, spinach, almond milk smoothie (vegan!) with all bran (overdoing fibre, much) and eaten with a nut butter spoon!

Luckily this afternoon I was at a Performance Nutrition seminar hosted by Jennifer Broxterman, a prof at Brescia (she teaches exercise nutrition) who has her own company specializing in nutrition for active people. I kind of want to be her–she’s a fellow contributor to Runnersfeed.com and takes such a POSITIVE approach to talking about nutrition. I listened to her presentation once before, when I did a crossfit boot camp a few years ago, but it was worth hearing again. And she made us amazing snacks…

That I can’t wait to recreate and to share my take on the recipes with you! I also want to share some of the tips she gave and whether I post them as a separate post or take them to heart <– the better option — and talk about them as I apply them (her idea of having a veggie bucket with cut up and ready to go veggies in the fridge, and using it up at the end of the week with a pizza dinner on Fridays, for instance) remains to be seen! At any rate, nutrition talks are always good to refresh your memory even if it’s “old news”–and tips and recipes are the key, I think, to making it applicable and practical to use! I also look at the opportunity to go to these presentations as a chance to see how dieticians practice. Jennifer has a way of speaking and being relatable but really informative and she seems extremely knowledgeable without overwhelming people. Note to self–add her to my list of dietitian role models!

There were lots of friends at the seminar too, which was awesome. Yay. I took a lot away and I’d love to share it all with you right now but I’m already late for KIN FORMAL! That’s right, I need to go get dolled up! To be honest, I don’t have hair to do so I take very little time to get ready. I’m excited for the night of dancing (I just had a coffee so I’m waiting for the burst of caffeinated energy) and even though I feel old/don’t know that many people going, I’m sure it’s going to be fun! Nina is my date, whether she likes it or not…and I never miss an excuse to wear a dress, in case you haven’t noticed!

What are you doing tonight?
How do you choose role models?
Do smoothies fill you up?

A new breakfast staple

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Cheryl Madliger

Chocolate at breakfast…yes. yes. and more yes.

Yeah I did.

New food rule: If you wouldn’t eat it in the morning, you shouldn’t eat it at night.

So to keep chocolate in my diet, I threw some on my pre-swim banana, with a bit of honey. I’m sweet and so is this breaky.

After a decent swim (felt a bit tired after yesterday), I spent a bit of time at the library where I devoured what might have been the perfect overnight oats mix, which I know I posted on eatplayluvblog, but needs to make a home on here. Today I had it with a big ol’ coffee. Mmmmmm.

Overnight Oats in a Can…of Pumpkin

Ingredients
pumpkin (when you get to about ½ cup, go for it!)
½ cup porridge oats
100g vanilla yogurt

Toppings (optional)
raisins
almond milk
pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
nut butter or crushed nuts

Directions
Combine ingredients in can at night.
Leave in fridge overnight and enjoy in the morning with toppings of your choice.

Anddddd enjoy, kiddos.

The library led to the Gazette, which led to a massage for my hip (ow—had your psoas/iliacus released lately?) which took me to a meeting of that committee for healthy eating on campus that I mentioned I went to a meeting for last week (excited!) which brought me back to the Gazette! Now time is flying by, work is confusing me (hence the blog break – sorry fellow editors, I rarely blog on the job but today I couldn’t resist). In there was a tasty lunch featuring a big salad with beets, goat cheese, almonds, and salmon with an apple! I snapped a picture in the meeting trying to be discreet. Food bloggers I’m sure you can relate to this being difficult.

Up next is teaching bootcamp (stay tuned for the workout!) and doing my physio work.

Did I mention 6am til 8pm is a long ass day on campus?

Cuz I wanna go home and crash, NOT write the draft I promised myself I would tonight. Now that I think about it, Friday at midnight deadline seems pretty far away. Let the procrastination begin.

Would you eat chocolate for breakfast?
Have you ever snapped a picture secretively? Or do you just tell people what you’re doing?

Happy is the new healthy

Tag Archives: pumpkin